Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3

Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3

Clearwater, a city that boasts some of America's top beaches, will host more than 1,800 domestic and international athletes at the inaugural Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3

The Ironman 70.3 Event Series, a global collection of events managed by World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), will call Clearwater, FL, home to its newest world championship event. Clearwater, a city that boasts some of America’s top beaches, will host more than 1,800 domestic and international athletes at the inaugural Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3. This event, scheduled for November 11, 2006 is a collaborative effort between WTC, the City of Clearwater and the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

"I am pleased to host this international event in Clearwater since one of my initiatives is making Clearwater a healthy-minded city. This event will attract athletes from around the globe and will increase our region's visibility through Ironman’s worldwide media coverage," said Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard. "As we revitalize Clearwater and its beaches, quality events like the Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3 are a perfect fit for the community.”

The event will start and finish at Pier  60 and the Sheraton Sand Key Resort will host several of the pre- and post-race activities. A professional prize purse of $100,000 will be offered and top professional and age group athletes will qualify for the 2007 Ford Ironman World Championship that will take place in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on October 13.

"Clearwater is an ideal location for this event due to its knowledge and experience in supporting high-profile events. Additionally, it is one of the world’s top tourist destinations.  We're eager to make the Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3 into one of triathlon's signature events," says Ironman 70.3 Events Director, Steve Meckfessel.

Ironman 70.3 events consist of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run. The series that includes more than seventeen events, kicked off earlier this year with the U.K. Ironman 70.3 in Wiltshire, England. One hundred athletes from the event received qualifying slots to the Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3 event.

"We are looking forward to competitors’ experiencing what our world-class beaches and unique communities have to offer," said Carole Ketterhagen, executive director for the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Sports are a central part of our community with activities ranging from Major League Baseball to triathlon events like the Ironman World Championship 70.3. We are confident that our outstanding weather conditions and community support will lead to record-setting performances on race day."